Shadeen Francis, LMFT, CST is a marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, professor, and author that specializes in sex therapy and social justice. She has been featured on platforms like 6-ABC, the New York Times, PopSugar, and the Huffington Post to share her unique expertise, and is sought internationally to speak on topics such as sexual self-esteem, intimacy, and relationship negotiation. Her work allows people of all backgrounds to improve their relationships and live in peace and pleasure.
Website: shadeenfrancis.com
Ms. Francis is not currently accepting new clients, but you can check out her resource guide
for therapy referrals that may be a good fit for you.
Get to Know Shadeen Francis
“Life can be tough. Be kind to yourself.”
Shadeen Francis, LMFT, CST is a marriage and family therapist whose passion is to create networks that provide support and bring about positive change. She always aims to provide a collaborative care environment in which clients feel safe, supported, and understood. Shadeen promotes opportunities for client self-acceptance, engagement with support networks, and positive change in their lives. Goal setting and systemic thinking are important parts of her therapeutic process.
Shadeen assists her clients in recognizing their core obstacles, looking for recurring themes, and building on their existing strengths to overcome difficulties. She works hard to understand each client’s unique situation and create a supportive healing relationship. Her clients can expect an approach to therapy that is compassionate, direct, and focused on creating effective and creative solutions to life’s challenges. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, couples communication, healing after infidelity, parent-child bonding, self-esteem coaching, LGBT relationships, (re)building sexual intimacy, and managing life transitions.
Shadeen received a Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy, with a specialization in Sex Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She completed her undergraduate education at McMaster University with a combined Honours degree in Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, with a minor in Sociology. Prior to working at The People’s Therapy Group, she interned at Council for Relationships in the University City and Center City offices. At the same time, Shadeen provided individual, relationship, group, and family therapy at Project HOME, Families Forward, and Ronald McDonald House. Her background experiences also include working for the Student Health and Education Center at McMaster University, guest speaking at secondary schools and recreation centers, and co-hosting a daytime radio show covering everything from break-ups to sexual dysfunction.
Shadeen’s bias is that there is meaning in relationships; the world is built on the strengths of communities. To that end, Shadeen can be found in many places around the city. Outside of the office, some of her projects include:
Teaching sex education workshops for young people about self-respect, safety, and positive self-image
Leading academic forums on healthy relationships
Creating seminars for medical students to improve compassionate healthcare
Conducting research on how to modify curricula to fit how students actually learn
Volunteering her services pro-bono to homeless families in inner-city shelters
Writing entries for social science encyclopedias on relationship dynamics
Presenting at national conferences such as SXSW, Psychotherapy Networker, theAssociation of Black Scholars and Clinicians.
Shadeen would love to be a part of your journey to a more authentic and fulfilling life. She can be hired for individual, relationship, and family therapy, community speaking engagements, and workshop development for organizations.